Consumer Protection Law:

Australian Consumer Law is a complex, detailed area of law deriving many sources of authority. The Australia Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) is one example of such legislation and it has combined various statutes into a holistic scheme of national consumer protection. Consumers are also protected in the national credit laws and the laws regarding unfair consumer contracts. Proper legal advice in from a Commercial Lawyer may be of great assistance in the area of consumer protection.

The types of consumer protections are diverse and varied and include misleading or deceptive conduct and unconscionable conduct. There is also a regime empowering the courts to alter unfair terms in consumer contracts. Other areas of concern are false or misleading conduct, pyramid schemes, referral selling, harassment and coercion, terms implied in consumer contracts and protections from defective goods. However, there are also authorities directed at unsolicited consumer agreements and lay-by agreements. This all serves to broaden the terms implied into consumer contracts for both goods and service, such as consumer guarantees and warranties. There are various legal and financial issues in consumer protection which requires careful consideration and overview from a qualified Commercial Lawyer.

Consumer protection law establishes the requirements on suppliers of consumer goods under lay-by agreements, including the imposition of writing requirements, and the regulation of the termination of lay-by agreements. Furthermore, there is legislation which specifically governs the form of the transaction and the rights of the customer. Consumer protection laws also deal with consumer lending and credit. In addition, conduct that is in connection with supply or possible supply of financial services to consumers is also regulated.

Apart from fair trading and consumer affairs legislation, there is other legislation dealing with consumer protection. In all jurisdictions, statute governs motor vehicle dealers, travel agents and small (or consumer) claims. There is specific legislation on unjust contracts, and unfair terms in consumer contracts are also now addressed in the fair trading legislation. In addition to the foregoing, provisions relevant to aspects of consumer protection are found in various statutes including consumer credit legislation, fair credit reporting laws, weights and measures laws, storage and handling of goods and legislation governing the supply of food and drugs. In situations such as these, it may be necessary to consult with a qualified Consumer Protection Solicitor to obtain professional legal advice as to your rights, liabilities and potential remedies.

If you would like further information or wish to discuss your consumer protection matter with us please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone on (02) 9233 4048 or by email to info@navado.com.au.

This webpage (and any material or wording appearing on this webpage) is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute any Legal Advice. It does not take into account your objectives, your instructions or all of the relevant facts and/or circumstances. Navado accepts no responsibility to any person who relies on the information provided on this website. We further refer you to our Disclaimer.